The global probiotics market is highly competitive. Vendors compete on the basis of added health benefits, product differentiation, category extension, and innovation in product and application. Companies often engage in brand wars, especially in the probiotic functional food and beverages product segment.

The report predicts that the global probiotics market will grow at a CAGR of around 7% during the forecast period. The increasing health consciousness among the consumers globally is driving the growth of this market.

APAC was the market leader with the largest share of around 40% during 2014. The research report predicts the leadership of this region to continue until the end of the forecast period, with a growth rate of around 8%.

The use of probiotics in dairy products in this region is the primary driver for the growth of the market. Japan is the largest market for probiotics in this region, closely followed by China.

Segmentation by product application:

Functional food and beverages

Dietary supplements

Animal feed

Functional food and beverages were the dominant segment during 2014 and is expected to retain its leadership until the end of 2019. This segment is further classified into fermented meat, dairy, bakery, beverages, breakfast cereals, fats and oil, and soy products.

Segmentation by end use:

Human probiotics

Animal probiotics

Human probiotics was the dominant sector during 2014 due to its constant extension to fields other than food and drugs. This segment is expected to reach USD 44 billion by the end of 2019. Due to the rising health awareness among people in countries like the US, the demand for the probiotics in functional food, beverages and dietary supplements is expected to increase.